STEM Stars, Smart Streets & MOCA Nights

Issue #261

Author

Brian Grant
October 27, 2025

Good Morning,

From glowing buildings to green ideas, it’s been a busy week across our communities. We’re checking in on early voting and celebrating standout students. Plus, a serious crash reminds us all to stay safe on the roads.

-Brian Grant, managing editor, writer

Local Pulse

🚨 A car crash on Sunrise Highway in Great River left four people injured Thursday night, including two seriously hurt backseat passengers. One was airlifted to Stony Brook Hospital as per police. The Toyota Camry overturned after hitting a tree, and all involved vehicles were impounded. Patch

🗳️ Early voting is now underway on Long Island, with 27 polling sites in Nassau and 28 in Suffolk open through Nov. 2. Voters say the process is smooth and convenient, with no long lines reported so far. News 12

🎓 Bayport-Blue Point High School has named Jefferson Swan as valedictorian and Shlok Parekh as salutatorian for the Class of 2026, recognizing their stellar academics, leadership, and service. Both students shine in STEM, music, and volunteerism. Patch

Community Highlights

Patchogue Lights Up with MOCA L.I.G.H.T.S.

The Village of Patchogue is glowing with color this week as MOCA L.I.G.H.T.S. transforms local buildings into canvases for digital art. Free nightly “Glow Tours” leave from the Patchogue Arts Council at 20 Terry Street and run through October 28.

Tours take guests through site-specific projections while sharing stories behind the artwork and the village’s historic architecture. It’s a unique blend of modern creativity and local heritage. Remaining tours are on October 27 and 28 at 7:00 PM and 8:30 PM. Walk-ups are welcome, or register at patchoguearts.org. Events are free; donations are welcome.

Bellport Board of Trustees Meeting 

The Village of Bellport Board of Trustees will hold its regular meeting on Monday, October 27, at 7:00 PM in the Community Center at 4 Bell Street. The meeting will also be streamed live via Zoom, offering residents remote access to the discussion.

The agenda includes updates from Mayor Maureen Veitch on capital projects and grants, including a HUD 2024 grant for Howells Creek and a review of local construction start times. Trustees will report on areas such as road safety, code enforcement, senior programs, and zoning matters. Key topics up for discussion include deer fencing and a proposal to set a public hearing on a new rental registry law scheduled for November 24.

The Board will also vote on various approvals, including a blood drive by Mary Immaculate Church, funding for aerial photography services, and reports from village departments.

Residents can join online at Zoom Link. Community participation is encouraged as the Board addresses key issues shaping Bellport’s future.

The Patchogue Climate Smart Task Force Meeting


At its October 20 meeting, the Village of Patchogue’s Climate Smart Communities Task Force advanced a range of environmental projects that could bring both state recognition and community rewards. The team is ramping up its Electric Vehicle (EV) Community Campaign with visibility at local events like the Eco Fair and MoCA L.I.’s GLOW. Meanwhile, EV chargers are set to go live at the train station in early November, alongside a new solar array. Informational signage showing real-time energy generation and carbon savings is in the works to boost awareness and meet state scoring criteria.

A food-scraps pilot is also gaining momentum, with about two dozen households signed up toward a 100-family goal. Once American Organic’s Yaphank-based anaerobic digester is complete, the program will launch with BigBelly collection stations and local drop-offs. Additional items discussed include pollinator gardens, new tree pits downtown, and policies that support walkable streets and safe school routes.

Looking ahead, the Task Force is exploring ways to lower residents’ flood insurance through FEMA’s Community Rating System and revive the Village’s Green Business recognition program. Residents can still join the food-scraps pilot, support EV awareness, or get involved in the November 17 meeting.

Community Highlights

  • Blue Moon is now playing at the Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center through October 30—a poignant drama about lyricist Lorenz Hart, starring Ethan Hawke in a haunting performance set on the opening night of Oklahoma!. [Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center]

  • NYS Senator Dean Murray has opened his Thanksgiving Day Student Showcase, inviting students to submit essays, poems, or artwork about what they’re thankful for by November 21. [NYS Senate]

  • The Town of Brookhaven’s Youth Bureau and INTERFACE Program are hosting a Thanksgiving Food Drive from October 14 to November 13, collecting non-perishable food items and $10 grocery gift cards to help families in need enjoy the holiday season. [Town of Brookhaven]

  • Take a peaceful virtual stroll through downtown Patchogue in this 4K walking tour by Walking with Genny, showcasing the charm and walkability of one of Long Island’s most inviting villages.

Community Highlights

Local Sports

⚽ Senior Stefan Dobrijevic scored twice to lead No. 23 Akron to a 3-1 win over Xavier, marking the 800th victory in program history. Thomas O'Rourke of East Patchogue notched his first career assist in the milestone win. [gozips.com]

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